Why Most Procedures Fail

Poor layout, unclear language, missing critical information, and inappropriate detail levels create the conditions for errors rather than preventing them:

  • Written for Compliance, Not Users

    Most procedures are designed to satisfy regulators rather than help operators do their jobs safely and efficiently.

  • Too Much Information

    Dense, lengthy documents overwhelm working memory and make it difficult to find critical information when it's needed.

  • Poor Risk Communication

    Critical safety steps get lost in generic warnings, and hazards aren't clearly linked to the actions that control them.

Procedures

1-day Masterclass

This intensive 1-day course transforms how you approach procedure writing by applying proven human factors principles to create instructions that genuinely support reliable performance. Working with a real procedure you need to improve, you'll learn systematic methods to assess both the form (usability and presentation) and function (content structure and task flow) of your procedures. Through hands-on exercises and practical application, you'll master techniques for identifying critical steps, optimising information presentation, and designing procedures that account for human limitations while supporting consistent, safe performance. You'll leave with both an improved procedure and a comprehensive toolkit for all future procedure development

The Human Factors Solution

Learn proven techniques that make procedures more effective by working with human psychology, not against it.

  • Task-Focused Design: Structure procedures around actual cognitive and physical work, not organizational convenience.

  • Visual Hierarchy: Use layout, typography, and visual elements to guide attention and reduce cognitive load.

  • Risk-Informed Content: Identify and highlight truly critical steps while avoiding warning overload.

  • User-Tested Validation: Test procedures with real users to identify and fix usability problems before deployment.

Course curriculum

  • 1

    Introduction to Human Factors in Procedure Writing

    • Understanding Human Factors

    • Identifying Common Design Problems

    • Error Types and procedures
  • 2

    Evaluating Procedure Usability (Form)

    • Usability Assessment Criteria
  • 3

    Content & Task Analysis (Function)

    • The Purpose(s) of Procedures

    • Basics of Task Analysis

    • Addressing Error Types
  • 4

    Risk-Informed Procedures

    • Identifying critical content

    • Presenting critical content
  • 5

    Creating Supporting Job Aids

    • Optimizing Detail Levels
  • 6

    Validation and Implementation Challenges

    • Developing Validation Strategies

    • Navigating Implementation Challenges

Who should attend

Professionals responsible for developing, reviewing, or improving operational procedures and work instructions who want to apply human factors principles to enhance usability and effectiveness.

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